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5 tips for applying to an arts school

More than talent

You may be the best violinist/muralist/filmmaker/dancer/actor in your town. But even if you are a top talent, it can be a challenge to get into the college you want. Your application will be one of many submitted by outstanding high school and transfer students from around the world. To increase your chances of admission, it’s important to keep your academic grades high. Be active in your school or community. Before you send in your application, read college websites and social media to get familiar with their programs and opportunities. Attend info sessions either in person or virtually. When you fill out your application, and you audition or send in your portfolio, let them know what differentiates you from all the other applicants. Be the one who shines.

Preparation is key

Whether applying for music, dance, theatre, film or studio art, be sure to perform, shoot or create as much as possible while in high school.

Music: Performing in summer programs, community productions, master classes, private lessons, for friends and parents, etc. will boost your skills and your confidence. The more you perform, the less nervous you will be at audition time! Research the school’s audition requirements ahead of time and start working on your audition piece well ahead of audition day.

Theatre: When choosing audition monologues, help the audition committee get to know you: Choose a character fairly close to you in age from a play about which you passionately care. Although you want to show your range, going too broad can be a trap – the committee may not learn enough about you by seeing you portray an 80-year-old serial killer. Come to the audition ready to play. Stay open to anything thrown at you – welcome the challenges!

Dance: Prepare a solo that presents your qualities, technical abilities and expressive range in the best possible light. Get input from your teachers/coaches on the style and content of your solo, and ask them to help you bring it to a high level of performance. Come to the audition thinking of it as a learning opportunity, just as you do when you go to a technique class: Listen carefully to the directions during the audition and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. The most important thing is for the auditioning committee to see the artist in you shining through!

Art: Actively create art in your school classes or take classes in your community, and always include time to create art on your own. Explore as many mediums as you can – painting with oil, watercolor, acrylics; drawing with pencil, crayon, charcoal, computer software; try ceramics, sculpture, photography, fine art video and more. Participate in or attend art exhibitions. Visit galleries and museums. Observe the world around you; notice the light, shadows, color, form, people, plants, shapes, everything. Take a close look at artworks you admire and figure out what the artist did to make it connect with you.

Film: Watch everything you can: TV, movies, webisodes, social media videos, documentaries, experimental pieces, independent or mainstream, from the U.S. and all over the world. Write, write, write: Nothing happens in filmmaking if there isn’t something written first. Keep coming up with ideas for characters and situations. Look at the news for story ideas; listen to your friends and family; go out an explore the world so you can draw from your own experiences.

Portfolios – Art or Film

Whether for studio art (any medium) or film and video, start building your portfolio as soon as you can. Curate it – show only your best work, not everything you’ve ever done. Take advantage of college portfolio reviews where you can get one-on-one advice and a clearer idea of what that college is looking for. Many colleges want to see a range of topics and mediums, and some like to see series. They want to see who you are as an artist. Be sure to check out the portfolio requirements before you send in your oeuvre.

Be Application Savvy

Each performing or visual arts school may require a different repertoire or number of pieces/mediums in a portfolio, and many schools have an intricate set of deadlines for the university admission application and for the audition/portfolio application. Take time to read all of the fine print. Take notes and keep the information about your different schools organized. If the audition requires three pieces and you bring two, the admission committee may not regard your application as highly as they would those who prepared the required three pieces. If something isn’t clear or you want more information, call or email the college’s admission office well in advance of audition days or deadlines.

Ask Questions–Lots of Questions

Arm yourself with info. How often do students perform, double major, have internships, gallery shows, film fests, opportunities for community engagement? In addition to training in the arts, what kind of entrepreneurship training is available? Are there classes in which you learn how to market yourself, create your own arts venture, build an audience? Is there space for you to put your gear in the school, or do you have to haul everything all over campus? How much access do students have to the faculty? When you zero in on which schools you really want, go visit them. Talk to current students, get a tour, observe a class. Pick up the vibe. Does the school feel right to you?

Take Advantage of College Resources

If you ask a few weeks in advance, many colleges can arrange for you to observe a class, attend ensemble rehearsals, do free portfolio reviews or see performances by students and faculty. Oftentimes, colleges also bring in high-profile guest speakers and allow the public to attend. Colleges are brimming with activity in your field – check it out, get involved and enjoy a taste of college life!

Now is your time to get prepared. Go for it!

Want more info? Get additional helpful hints from the admission pros at smu.edu/5tips.